Dates

    23–25 Apr 2027

    City / country

    Ocean City, United States

    Venue

    The Kite Loft

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for Maryland International Kite Expo

    Get my picks

    Exhibiting at?

    Enter your business email to get a free first Exclusive Spotlight worth 250$.

    Explore Spotlights
    Register / Buy Tickets

    Are you the organiser of this event?

    Event overview

    Overview

    The Maryland International Kite Expo is set to take place from April 23 to April 25, 2027, at The Kite Loft in Ocean City, Maryland. This vibrant event celebrates the art of kite flying, featuring a variety of kites and activities for all ages.

    Hosted by The Kite Loft, a leader in the kite retail industry, the expo draws kite enthusiasts from near and far. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with colorful kites, demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with fellow kite lovers.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Scale and Focus: This event is a highlight for kite enthusiasts, showcasing various kites and related activities.
    2. 2Organiser: The event is hosted by The Kite Loft, a renowned kite retailer with a strong presence in the kite community.
    3. 3Buyer Authority: Attendees include kite flyers, families, and enthusiasts looking to engage with the kite flying community.
    4. 4Entry / Access: Visitors can enjoy free entry to the festival, making it accessible for all kite lovers.

    Why visit

    The Maryland International Kite Expo offers a unique opportunity to witness stunning kite displays and participate in engaging activities. Visitors can enjoy free entry, making it an ideal outing for families and kite enthusiasts alike. Experience the thrill of kite flying and learn from experts in the field.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibiting at the Maryland International Kite Expo provides businesses with direct access to a passionate audience of kite enthusiasts. This event is a prime opportunity to showcase new products, engage with customers, and enhance brand visibility in the kite community. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Kite manufacturers showcasing their latest designs, Retailers offering kite accessories and related products, Kite clubs and organizations promoting community.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Sport-kite and freestyle flyers comparing dual-line and quad-line frames, lines and spare spars on the beach
    Kiteboarding and kitesurfing riders checking leading-edge inflatable kites, bars, harnesses and wetsuit layering for cold Atlantic water
    Families and beach vacationers buying first single-line kites, wind spinners and line laundry for the Boardwalk
    Kite club members and team flyers attending for group flying, choreography practice and kit swaps
    Independent toy, gift and kite-shop buyers sourcing retail-ready SKUs for the summer season
    Kite aerial photography and drone-free aerial imaging enthusiasts interested in stable lifter kites
    Teachers, camp leaders and youth-programme coordinators looking for workshop and STEM kite kits
    Boardwalk and Ocean City day-trippers who come for the spectacle, the demo fields and the retail store

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Kite manufacturers and brand distributors presenting single-line, dual-line and quad-line ranges
    Kitesurfing and kiteboarding brands showing inflatable kites, control bars, boards and safety systems
    Component and materials suppliers for ripstop nylon, polyester, Dyneema and Vectran line, spars, ferrules and connectors
    Kite-bag, apparel and beach-gear makers selling carry systems, gloves, windbreakers and UV layers
    Custom and art-kite makers producing appliqued, hand-painted and display kites for collectors and decor buyers
    Kite clubs, flying schools and associations recruiting members and running learn-to-fly sessions
    Retailers and store buyers from mid-Atlantic beach towns writing summer kite and toy orders
    Workshop providers and education suppliers offering build-a-kite kits, classroom programmes and festival activities

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Single-line kites for children and beginners, including diamond, delta and simple sled designs
    Dual-line stunt kites with carbon or fibreglass spars for trick and precision flying
    Quad-line and foil kites for power, team flying and buggy or landboard use
    Leading-edge inflatable kites, control bars, lines and safety releases for kitesurfing
    Replacement spars, ferrules, nose connectors, spreaders and leading-edge bladders
    Line sets in Dyneema and Vectran, winders, stakes, anchors and quick-release clips
    Kite tails, line laundry, windsocks, spinners and garden wind decor
    Kite bags, stuff sacks, ground stakes, repair tape and field tool kits
    Kite-themed apparel, caps, gloves, UV rash guards and beach accessories
    Kitesurfing wetsuits, harnesses, booties and cold-water layering for April sessions
    Build-a-kite kits, classroom STEM packs and youth workshop materials
    Custom, hand-painted and display kites for collectors, events and interior decor

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    The Kite Loft

    511 Boardwalk, Ocean City, MD 21842

    Facilities

    Parking

    The Kite Loft in Ocean City typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Food options

    On-site catering

    On-site dining

    Parking: The Kite Loft in Ocean City typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.

    Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at The Kite Loft for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Free registration
    Register

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Ocean City, United States

    Why it matters

    On 2027-04-23 to 2027-04-25, Maryland International Kite Expo in Ocean City covering Single line kites for beginners and children, Stunt kites for experienced flyers, Kite accessories including lines and h gives fashion buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Digital buyer journeys

    What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    02

    Sustainability in procurement

    What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    03

    Automation and labour efficiency

    What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    04

    Regional supply-chain resilience

    What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    05

    Hybrid engagement models

    What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · USD

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    SBY

    Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport

    Closest commercial airport to Ocean City and the shortest transfer to the Boardwalk kite store. Limited daily frequencies, so check connections before committing; rental cars are available at the airport and rideshare supply is thin

    approx. 30 mi

    to venue

    approx. 40-50 min by road

    by car

    BWI

    Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

    Largest gateway with the widest choice of airlines and rental cars. Budget extra time for the Bay Bridge on Friday afternoons and summer Sundays; a rental car is the practical way to reach Ocean City from BWI

    approx. 130-140 mi

    to venue

    approx. 2 h 30 min by road via US-50 East

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ocean City - Northside by IHG

    midscale
    North Ocean City

    4.2

    USD 95–135 / night

    3-star north-end property with free cancellation and hot tub on Coastal Highway; town bus or a 15-20 minute drive to the Boardwalk flying beach.

    Aloft by Marriott Ocean City

    midscale
    Ocean City

    4.3

    USD 95–140 / night

    3-star, pool and pet-friendly; surfaced via Booking.com in the hotel capture. April rates are materially below the July-August peak.

    Tru by Hilton Ocean City Bayside

    midscale
    Bayside

    4.3

    USD 90–130 / night

    3-star bayside with pool and pet-friendly policy; plan on a car, bus fare or rideshare to reach the oceanfront.

    Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Ocean City by IHG

    budget
    West Ocean City

    4.0

    USD 85–125 / night

    2-star west-side option with free cancellation and hot tub; cheapest cluster in the capture, across the Route 50 bridge from the beach.

    Courtyard by Marriott Ocean City Oceanfront

    midscale
    Oceanfront

    3.8

    USD 90–140 / night

    4-star oceanfront with pool and parking; walkable to the beach flying areas and the Boardwalk retail blocks.

    Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites

    upscale
    Oceanfront

    4.4

    USD 130–190 / night

    Highest listed 4-star oceanfront rate in the capture, with hot tub and pool; suites suit families or teams staying the full three nights.

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    airport bus / shuttle

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forSalisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY) to The Kite Loft

    approx. 40-50 min by road; Closest commercial airport to Ocean City and the shortest transfer to the Boardwalk kite store. Limited daily frequencies, so check connections before committing; rental cars are available at the airport and rideshare supply is thin.

    rideshare

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forSBY to The Kite Loft, Boardwalk, Ocean City

    Road route mapped from SBY to the Boardwalk. Rideshare supply around SBY is limited, so pre-book or have a taxi number as backup. Approximate fare, confirm live quotes.

    taxi / private transfer

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forBaltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to The Kite Loft

    BWI is the wide-choice gateway but roughly 2.5 hours of driving from the beach. For a three-night stay a rental car usually costs less than a round-trip transfer. Approximate fare, confirm live quotes.

    town bus

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forOcean City Transit Coastal Highway bus, Boardwalk to north Ocean City

    The town bus runs the length of Coastal Highway and connects most hotels with the Boardwalk district; spring schedules are lighter than summer. Approximate fare, confirm with Ocean City Transit.

    boardwalk tram

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forOcean City Boardwalk tram, inlet to the mid-town Boardwalk

    Seasonal tram along the Boardwalk, handy for moving gear between hotels and the flying beach; operating dates and stops vary in April. Approximate fare, confirm on site.

    parking

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forBoardwalk-area metered street parking and municipal lots

    Metered street bays and town lots sit close to the Boardwalk; April is far easier than peak summer but event weekends still tighten supply. Approximate rate, confirm posted tariffs and any event closures.

    rental car

    Estimated costCost TBA
    Best forBWI or SBY to Ocean City and along Coastal Highway

    Most practical option if you land at BWI; also lets you reach West Ocean City and Assateague-area beaches. Approximate rate for a compact in April, confirm with the rental desk.

    Weather

    Late April in Ocean City, Maryland is coastal shoulder season: daytime highs typically around 60-70 F (16-21 C) and nights around 45-52 F (7-11 C), with a steady onshore Atlantic breeze that can make the beach feel several degrees colder. Rain is possible in spring showers, and morning sea fog can delay flying before the breeze settles. Wind is the operative variable for a kite event - too little and only light single-line kites fly, too much and big show kites are grounded. Bands are climatological planning guidance; check a short-range forecast in the final 48 hours.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    United States mobile coverage on the Ocean City barrier island is generally good on the main carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), with 5G in the Boardwalk and Coastal Highway corridors and weaker signal on open sand north of the developed strip. Visitors from abroad should arrange an eSIM or a US prepaid SIM before arrival rather than relying on roaming; hotel Wi-Fi is common but usually fine only for email and messaging. Confirm venue Wi-Fi and any exhibitor connectivity on the organiser site if you plan to run card payments or demos from the beach.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Beach-town dress code

    Ocean City is a casual resort town, so waterproof layers, trainers or sandals and a windproof jacket are the norm at the flying beach and in Boardwalk shops. A smart-casual layer is enough for a Boardwalk restaurant dinner.

    Tipping and payments

    Prices are quoted in US dollars and sales tax is added at the till. Tip 15-20 percent at table-service restaurants and a dollar or two per bag for hotel staff; cards are widely accepted but carry some cash for metered parking and small vendors.

    Kite-field etiquette

    Never walk through another flyer's line, keep well clear of the power-kite and kitesurfing zones, and stay off the dunes and dune fencing. Announce before launching a large kite, and reel in if a crowd forms downwind.

    April on the Eastern Shore

    Late April is quiet compared with summer: some Boardwalk businesses run reduced hours and the ocean is still around 50-55 F (10-13 C), so swimming is for the hardy. Expect spring rain showers and a strong afternoon sea breeze.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: SBY

    Book SBY when the schedule works and you want the shortest transfer; book BWI when you need choice, lower fares or a rental car, and budget roughly 2.5 hours of driving each way. Compare total trip cost rather than airfare alone, since a cheap BWI fare plus a week of parking or a round-trip transfer can cost more than a pricier SBY connection. Late April is shoulder season on the Eastern Shore, so Friday afternoon and Sunday flights into BWI are the ones to book early. Allow a buffer for the Bay Bridge and confirm baggage rules if you are travelling with kite tubes or kitesurfing gear.

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY): approx. 40-50 min by road; Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): approx. 2 h 30 min by road via US-50 East. Allow road or rail time to The Kite Loft; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near The Kite Loft: North Ocean City: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ocean City - Northside by IHG; Ocean City: Aloft by Marriott Ocean City; Bayside: Tru by Hilton Ocean City Bayside.

    Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate in the Ocean City area, with the best pickup density around the Boardwalk, Coastal Highway hotels and BWI. Coverage thins late at night and at Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional (SBY), where you should pre-book or keep a local taxi number as backup. In-town hops along Coastal Highway typically run a short, low-cost ride; airport runs from SBY or BWI cost materially more, so check the app estimate before confirming.

    Public transit: There is no rail service onto the Ocean City barrier island. The town's Coastal Highway bus links the Boardwalk district with mid-town and north-end hotels, and the seasonal Boardwalk tram covers the boards themselves; combined with walking, that is enough to reach the flying beach without a car. From Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional (SBY), bus is listed among the transfer options into Ocean City but services are infrequent, so verify timetables. For BWI or PHL arrivals, plan on a rental car, shuttle or rideshare rather than public transit for the final 2-3 hours.

    Parking: Parking near the Boardwalk is a mix of metered street bays and town-run lots and garages, with additional lots at the inlet end and along Coastal Highway. April is shoulder season, so spaces are easier than in July, but event weekends still fill the closest bays by mid-morning. Bring coins or use the town's mobile payment option, note posted time limits, and expect road or lot restrictions around the flying fields; confirm event-specific parking guidance with the organiser before you drive down.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: April (late April, 23-25 April 2027 window) is coastal shoulder season in Ocean City, Maryland: settled spring weather with a strong onshore sea breeze and a cool Atlantic.

    Temperature: Daytime highs typically 60-70 F (16-21 C), nights 45-52 F (7-11 C), with beach wind making the sand feel noticeably colder than the sheltered Boardwalk. Ocean water remains around 50-55 F (10-13 C). Bands are climatological guidance, not a forecast for the 2027 edition - check a short-range forecast before packing.

    Seasonality: Spring brings passing showers and occasional morning sea fog, and wind is the defining variable for a kite weekend: light mornings favour single-line and display flying, while a building afternoon sea breeze suits stunt and power kites and can force large show kites down for safety. Rain rarely lasts all day, but a front can shut the beach for several hours, so keep Saturday and Sunday flexible.

    Packing: Pack layers: a windproof shell, fleece or light insulated mid-layer, long trousers for evenings, and gloves and a warm hat for early-morning flying on the sand. Add sunglasses, sunscreen, a cap, a dry bag for kites and cameras, shoes you can walk on sand in, and a spare pair for the Boardwalk. Bring a kite stake, spare line set, repair tape and a folding chair if you plan to fly or spectate for hours, plus a refillable bottle and cash or a card for metered parking.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)

    Mid-show days at Maryland International Kite Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.

    Day 1

    D-14: Book the hotel for 22-25 April 2027 if you want a three-night stay; oceanfront and Boardwalk properties are cheaper in April than in summer but still sell out for event weekends.

    Day 2

    D-13: Compare SBY against BWI for flights, then decide between rental car, shuttle and rideshare for the final leg into Ocean City.

    Day 3

    D-12: Check passport validity and ESTA or visa status if you are travelling from outside the United States; approvals can take longer than expected.

    Day 4

    D-11: Reserve a rental car early if you are flying into BWI - April weekend inventory at the airport counters is thinner than in summer.

    Day 5

    D-10: Pack kite gear for salt and sand: spare line sets, extra spars, a line winder, gloves and repair tape.

    Day 6

    D-9: Check the April Ocean City forecast and add a windproof shell and warm layer; beach wind at 15 mph feels far colder than the inland air temperature.; D-8: Download an offline map of the Boardwalk and Coastal Highway, plus the town's parking payment app, so you are not hunting for signal on the sand.

    Day 7

    D-7: Confirm your mobile plan covers the United States or order an eSIM before departure.

    Day 8

    D-6: Book any restaurant for Friday or Saturday evening - Boardwalk-area tables fill quickly on spring festival weekends.

    Day 9

    D-5: Re-check the organiser site and social channels for field changes, demo times or a weather call.

    Day 10

    D-4: Charge cameras, action cams and power banks; carry a dry bag for gear on the beach.

    Day 11

    D-3: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a refillable bottle, plus cash or a card for metered parking.

    Day 12

    D-14: Confirm the 2027 flying schedule, field locations and any weather contingency on kiteloft.com, and check whether clinics or workshops need advance sign-up.; D-2: Confirm airport transfer or parking plan and note the drive time buffer for the Bay Bridge on Route 50 if coming from the west.

    Sample visitor itinerary

    Route-optimised day
    Day 1 · morning

    Registration and hall orientation at The Kite Loft

    Day 2 · core sessions

    Supplier meetings and product demos

    Day 3 · wrap-up

    Final negotiations and follow-up

    Networking spots

    2

    Maryland International Kite Expo registration concourse

    The Kite Loft

    Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.

    Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)

    The Kite Loft

    Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Build your working budget

    Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.

    Estimated budget
    Live estimate
    • Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
    • Per diem × 2$150.00
    Estimated total$380.00

    This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Use this quick check to decide whether Maryland International Kite Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    For Maryland International Kite Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.

    Best for

    Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Single line kites for beginners and children and Stunt kites for experienced fly solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Maryland International Kite Expo in Ocean City.

    Min. budget

    $530.00

    Timeline

    4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.

    Risks

    Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.

    exhibit

    You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.

    Best for

    Brands and manufacturers launching Single line kites for beginners and children and Stunt kites for experienced fly products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.

    Min. budget

    $2,385.00

    Timeline

    3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.

    Risks

    Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.

    skip

    Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.

    Best for

    Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Ocean City show week.

    Timeline

    N/A

    Risks

    Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.

    FAQs & glossary

    Answers

    Frequently asked

    When and where does this Ocean City kite event take place?
    The listing window is 23-25 April 2027 in Ocean City, Maryland, with programming tied to The Kite Loft on the Boardwalk (kiteloft.com). The beach flying fields are wind-dependent, so confirm the daily flying schedule, field location and any weather call on the organiser site before you travel.
    Do I need a ticket to watch the kites or to take part?
    Check kiteloft.com for the current registration and entry policy for this edition. Some festival activities, such as clinics, team demos or build-a-kite workshops, are typically sign-up based and can fill up on the day, so register or reserve early rather than assuming walk-up space.
    What happens if there is no wind or it is too windy?
    Beach kite events are weather-led. Light-wind periods usually shift the programme to single-line and display flying, workshops or retail activity, while strong onshore wind can pause large kites and kitesurfing demos for safety. Build a flexible Saturday and Sunday into your trip and check the organiser's morning update.
    Where should I stay for a kite festival on the Ocean City Boardwalk?
    Boardwalk and oceanfront properties put you within walking distance of the flying beach, while bayfront and West Ocean City hotels are a short drive or bus ride from Coastal Highway. Late April is shoulder season, so oceanfront rates are typically lower than in July and August - our hotel card lists indicative USD night bands.
    How do I get to Ocean City without a car?
    Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional (SBY) is the closest commercial airport, roughly 30 miles and 40-50 minutes by road. Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) has far more flights but is about a 2.5-hour drive, so most attendees rent a car or book a shuttle or rideshare from BWI.
    Can I park near the beach and the Boardwalk?
    Yes - Ocean City has metered street parking, municipal lots and Boardwalk-area garages, and April is much easier than peak summer. Bring quarters or use the town's pay-by-app options, and confirm any event-specific lot or road closure with the organiser before the weekend.
    Can I buy kites and spares at the event?
    The Kite Loft operates as a full kite retailer, so the event is a practical place to buy single-line kites, stunt kites, line sets, spars and spares rather than only watch demos. Stock and pricing change, so call or check kiteloft.com for specific models before making a long trip for one item.
    Is the event suitable for children and first-time flyers?
    Yes - beach kite festivals are generally family-oriented, with easy single-line kites for younger children and staff advice on matching kite size to the day's wind. Children should stay clear of the power-kite and kitesurfing demo zones, and everyone should keep off the dunes.
    Can I fly my own kite at the festival?
    Casual flying is usually possible on the public beach outside the designated demo and competition areas. Follow marshal instructions, keep at least 100 feet from other flyers' lines, use line that contrasts with the sky and never fly near the Boardwalk crowds, roadways or overhead wires.
    What should I bring for a late-April weekend in Ocean City?
    Expect cool mornings, breezy afternoons and cold Atlantic water: bring layers, a windproof shell, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and shoes you can walk on sand in. A kite stake, spare line set, repair tape and a folding chair make a long flying day much easier.
    Is the beach accessible for wheelchair users and strollers?
    Ocean City maintains a wide, plowed Boardwalk and has beach-access mats at selected streets, but sand becomes softer away from the mat. Confirm the specific access point and any mobility-equipment rental with the town or the organiser before the weekend.
    How early should I arrive each day?
    Arrive in the morning as the sea breeze builds - setup and demo flying usually start earlier than the busiest spectator hours. If you are registered for a clinic or workshop, allow extra time for parking and check-in.

    Glossary

    1
    Single-line kite
    A kite flown on one line, where lift and stability come from the kite's own shape and bridle. Diamond, delta and sled designs are the classic entry-level formats for children and casual beach flying.
    2
    Dual-line stunt kite
    A two-line kite steered by pulling either line, which lets the pilot carve figures, loops and precision patterns. Most sport-kite demos at a beach festival use this format.
    3
    Quad-line kite
    A four-line kite controlled with two handles or a bar, giving forward, reverse and hover control. Used for precision team flying and for power kites that pull buggies or boards.
    4
    Foil kite
    A soft, frameless kite built from open or closed cells that inflate in the wind. Foils pack small, survive hard crashes and are common for power kiting and kiteboarding on land.
    5
    LEI (leading-edge inflatable)
    A kitesurfing kite with an inflatable tube along the leading edge and struts, so it can be relaunched from water. Paired with a control bar, flying lines and a quick-release chicken loop.
    6
    Spar
    The rigid rod, usually carbon or fibreglass, that forms the frame of a kite. Spars are graded by diameter and stiffness, and spare spars are the most common spare part bought at festivals.
    7
    Bridle
    The network of short lines that connects the kite frame to the flying line and sets the angle of attack. Small bridle adjustments change how a kite sits in the wind.
    8
    Wind window
    The arc of airspace where a kite flies, spanning edge, zenith and power zone. Beach festival pilots read the window constantly because onshore Atlantic wind shifts the usable zone.
    9
    Beaufort scale
    The 0-12 wind strength scale used by flyers to match kite size to conditions. Light single-line kites want the low end, while power and kitesurfing kites need a steady mid-range.
    10
    Line set
    A matched pair or quad of flying lines cut to equal length, usually Dyneema or Vectran. Unequal lines make a stunt kite pull to one side, so line sets are sold and replaced as a unit.
    11
    Line laundry
    Decorative items such as windsocks, spinners, fish and character inflatables that are hoisted on the flying line above the kite. Popular with families and garden decor buyers.
    12
    Kite aerial photography (KAP)
    Lifting a camera on a stable kite line to shoot aerial images. KAP flyers favour large lifter foils, a Picavet rig and a remote shutter, and April beach wind is well suited to it.
    13
    Boardwalk tram
    The seasonal tram that runs the length of the Ocean City Boardwalk. Useful for moving between hotels, the beach flying fields and the Boardwalk retail blocks without moving a car.
    14
    Coastal Highway (Route 528)
    The main north-south road on Ocean City's barrier island, served by the town's bus route. Most hotels, the Boardwalk district and the beach access points sit along or just off it.

    Also known as

    Alternate names and search phrases for this event.

    • Maryland International Kite Expo 2027
    • Maryland International Kite Expo Ocean City 2027
    • Ocean City United States
    • Single line kites for beginners and children
    • Stunt kites for experienced flyers
    • Kite accessories including lines and handles
    • Garden decor featuring kite designs
    • Trade show B2B Trade Expo Ocean City

    Trust footer

    Sources

    4

    References

    1

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    The Kite Loft

    Digital business cards for the show floor

    Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

    Create a free card